Tail Light Switch Problems of Mini Cooper

While driving, cars around me were beeping when I switched lanes after signaling and stepped on the brakes. I was nearly rear ended! come to find out all of my lighting systems were inoperable. I had: brake lights turn signals hazard lights headlights tail lights *windows were inoperable. The list goes on. This is terrifying to have happen while driving, and even worse, I didn't realize what was happening until I had nearly been hit by two different cars. This would have been even worse had it failed at night. I had my car towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The issue is that the footwell module (aka frm) had failed. This happened at only 41,000 miles. Apparently this is extremely common and a long-known defect on Mini Coopers. In my opinion there needs to be an immediate recall on all affected frms. I learned that Mini issued a "silent recall" of extended warranties, from 4 years to 8 years, and now to 10 years/156,000 miles. I am outside of warranty 6 months by time, but within warranty by 115,000 miles. I contacted Mini USA to request that they cover the part repair, as this is a known defective part in my car's model and year and a critical safety issue. They have refused, despite me getting in touch three times. I also notified customer relations at Mini USA that I never received notification of the warranty extension on this part, or on any other part. Additionally, I have not received any notification of recalls that apply to my vehicle, though through my recent research I have found that some have been issued. A quick google search as well as discussions with Mini techs will reveal widespread frm failure. Many other complainants on this page are regarding the same issue. Has any investigation taken place? if not, I hope there will be one.

See all problems of the 2010 Mini Cooper 🔎.

2013 Mini Cooper both right and left tail light assemblies have required replacement at the dealer due to melted plastic adjacent to light bulb contacts. Quoting the dealer service record "found left tag light bulb out and right lower brake light melted. Replaced tag light bulb and right tail light assy. " that service was performed at a Mini dealer in 2018. The same problem and same repair was performed at a different Mini dealer in 2017. Similar problems have been reported on this website (NHTSA vehichle complaints), and the problem was familiar to the service personnel at both dealerships. Mini has a standard practice of issuing "warranty extensions" for known "defects in materials or workmanship" which cover the expense (both parts and labor) for replacement and repair as necessary, but does not rise to the level of a full recall. Mini also keeps detailed, non-public, records tracking the frequency of common vehicle repairs. I would recommend that this issue receive the next level of investigation to determine if either a warranty extension or a full recall is indicated. Thank you for taking the time to read this note.

See all problems of the 2013 Mini Cooper 🔎.